Aidsmap Finds New Home at Terrence Higgins Trust, Ensuring Legacy of HIV Information and Advocacy
The HIV information landscape has undergone a significant shift with the closure of NAM Publications, the long-standing publisher of the esteemed resource aidsmap.com. Facing financial unsustainability, NAM Publications trustees made the difficult decision to cease operations in July 2024. However, recognizing the crucial role aidsmap played in disseminating vital HIV information to individuals, healthcare professionals, and advocates alike, the trustees embarked on a mission to ensure the platform’s valuable resources would continue to be accessible. This led to a strategic partnership with Terrence Higgins Trust, a prominent UK-based HIV charity, which has taken on the stewardship of aidsmap.com.
The transition of aidsmap.com to Terrence Higgins Trust marks a pivotal moment in the history of HIV information dissemination. Recognizing the platform’s global reach and impact, the trustees sought a partner capable of not only maintaining the existing content but also striving to continue its legacy of providing up-to-date research, news, and analysis. Terrence Higgins Trust, with its extensive experience and commitment to ending HIV transmissions, emerged as the ideal candidate to carry the torch forward. This partnership ensures that the invaluable resources cultivated over aidsmap’s four-decade history will continue to empower individuals affected by HIV and contribute to the global fight against the epidemic.
Terrence Higgins Trust’s commitment extends beyond simply preserving the existing archives of aidsmap.com. The organization plans to uphold the platform’s tradition of providing expert analysis and reporting from major HIV conferences, including the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) and the International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Science. This commitment acknowledges the crucial role aidsmap has played in bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and the communities most impacted by HIV. While financial constraints prohibit a full revival of all aidsmap’s previous activities, the focus on conference reporting and maintaining core HIV information demonstrates a commitment to preserving the platform’s most valuable contributions.
The future of aidsmap.com under Terrence Higgins Trust relies heavily on securing sustainable funding. Recognizing the importance of this resource for the HIV sector, the organization is actively seeking partnerships with pharmaceutical companies and other potential funders. This collaborative approach underscores the shared responsibility within the HIV community to support vital information resources that empower individuals, inform policy decisions, and ultimately contribute to achieving global HIV targets. The continued availability of reliable and accessible HIV information is paramount to achieving the ambitious goal of ending new HIV cases by 2030.
Although Terrence Higgins Trust operates primarily within the UK, the global reach of aidsmap.com remains a key priority. The platform will continue to feature diverse voices from both the Global North and Global South, recognizing the importance of incorporating perspectives from different regions and communities affected by HIV. This commitment to inclusivity reflects the evolving landscape of HIV advocacy and ensures that aidsmap.com remains a relevant and valuable resource for a global audience. The platform’s continued dedication to global perspectives will further its mission to provide comprehensive and nuanced information about the HIV epidemic.
The transition of aidsmap.com has been met with both sadness and hope. The closure of NAM Publications marks the end of an era, but the partnership with Terrence Higgins Trust offers a promising path forward. There is a collective recognition of the significant void left by aidsmap’s closure and cautious optimism about Terrence Higgins Trust’s commitment to maintain its essential functions. The success of this endeavor will rely on the combined efforts of the HIV sector, including funders, researchers, and advocates, to support this vital resource and ensure its long-term sustainability.
The preservation of aidsmap.com represents more than just maintaining a website; it signifies a commitment to preserving the legacy of HIV information and advocacy. The platform has played a pivotal role in empowering individuals, informing policy, and driving progress in the fight against HIV. Under the stewardship of Terrence Higgins Trust, aidsmap.com has the potential to continue its vital work for years to come, contributing to a future where HIV is no longer a public health threat. The collaborative efforts of the HIV sector will be instrumental in ensuring that this invaluable resource continues to serve the community and advance the global fight against HIV.